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Before coming to Nijmegen I played in the OHL for 4 different teams (Peterborough Petes, Ottawa 67's, Soo Greyhounds and Toronto Marlboros). I also played for the Hull Olympiques on the Quebec Major Junior League. I then played for the University of Ottawa (Gee Gees) Hockey team for 2 years before my first year in Nijmegen. I started the 1991-1992 season with a team in the Swedish 1st division (Tyringe, where I played with Jens Hemstrom who played in Tilburg a few years) but I hurt my back and was out for 6 weeks. I came back to North America and finished the year with the Brantford Smoke of the Colonial Hockey League (which is now the United League) before returning to Nijmegen for 2 years. I retired after the 1993-1994 season and continue to play recreational hockey a few times a week.
The player that had the most success would be Luc Robitaille. He has been a great player/scorer in the NHL and was even better in Junior in Hull.
With Theo Kruger I have the most fond memories. We arrived in Nijmegen the same year. I would also say that because of the success we had winning in 1993, I have great memories of the entire team from that year! There were so many great players (I could name the entire team) that every game was a fond memory.
Everything I loved about Holland The experience of being in another country but feeling at home was unbelievable. The people were incredible. The fans. The food (I still get cravings for a Kipcorn, Frikandel, Frites met and a shawarma)! Friends. Something we called Import bonding nights usually at Cafe The Stoof (it wasn't only imports but Kip called it that)!
I still speak and e-mail Theo Kruger (although we haven't spoken in some time now). I lived with
Theo and Tommie Speel my first year in Nijmegen. It was Theo and Tommie's first year in Nijmegen as well. We lived together and became very good friends. We were both very competitive and hated to lose no matter what we were playing (Hockey, Tennis, Pool). We had many great battles in practice, on the tennis courts and on the pool tables and had so much fun at the same time! It would be great to see everyone again! All the guys!
A friend of ours just retired from playing in Germany (Mike Bullard). At the end of each year the German teams have an exhibition game for the retiring players. They bring in all the former players and friends! There were a few of my friends that played over there that went over for the weekend. That's such a great idea! Currently I am a Sales Consultant for the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. I've been married for 6 years (my wife's name is Stephanie) and have 2 children (my son Devyn and daughter Shaelyn) It's hard to believe it's been over 15 years already! I saw some of the pictures on the Nijmegen Legends site from when we won the Championship in 1993. There's a picture of me drinking champagne and I remember it like it was yesterday! I hope to some day be able to come back with my family for a visit!
Mail: jeffstanton@rogers.com

